WCW ran a house show at the Spectrum last Wednesday night. As I
mentioned in an earlier column, we got the Chris Jericho/Eddie
Guerrero-Chris Benoit/Dean Malenko tag match. It was, as you would
expect, out of this world. It blew away anything else on the show, even
Flair's return to Philadelphia.

Talking to Benoit, Jericho, and Guerrero after the show, I commented on
the match and ceremonies they'd done for Brian Hildebrand in Knoxville
in November, and complimented them on what they did. At this point, they
all pointed to one guy for what they'd done...Dean Malenko.
Additionally, they mentioned Ric Flair.

When I asked Dean about it, he got really serious, seemed appreciative
of the show being reported on, but didn't seem to want to get any credit
for it. His response was more or less "...it was what we should have
done".

True. But that isn't the way things always work in the wrestling
business....and what these four men did, along with Ric Flair, Mike
Tenay, Bobby Heenan and others did deserves recognition.

Then again, Brian Hildebrand isn't exactly a typical person within the
business. I spoke to Brian on New Year's Day...he wanted me to express
his thanks to all readers who've sent him e-mails, letters, cards and
the like. Brian seems somewhat embarassed at all the attention he's
received..yet I can tell you it HAS meant more to him (and to his wife
Pam) than you could possibly know.

On a related subject... I'm not sure if readers have seen the piece that
Bruce Mitchell wrote in the Pro Wrestling Torch back in early December.
If you haven't, find a friend that has a copy. It's well worth reading.
The article, which shares Mitchell's experience with a father who died
from cancer, reminds us not to take those in our lives for granted.
Given Mitchell's reputation for being controversial, this is a really
special piece, and deserves being read...and thought about.

One more somewhat related subject...mark your calendars for the annual
Eddie Gilbert Memorial Weekend, held as always in the Philadelphia area.
This year's events, including a Fan Convention, Dinner, and the Eddie
Gilbert Memorial Brawl will be held March 27th, on WrestleMania weekend.
This year's Gilbert Memorial will see others honored, including former
WWF referee Joey Marella.

Watch this column and PWBTS for information on the events of this annual
commemoration.